HB 323-NONATTAIN AREA HOME HEATING SYSTEM GRANTS  3:43:36 PM CO-CHAIR FOSTER announced that the next order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 323, "An Act relating to the Alaska energy efficient home grant fund; and creating a grant program for converting homes in regions designated as particulate matter nonattainment areas to efficient home heating systems." 3:44:58 PM REPRESENTATIVE TAMMIE WILSON, Alaska State Legislature, clarified statements made by the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC), Department of Revenue (DOR), during the 3/27/12 hearing on HB 323. She stated HB 323 applies to owner- occupied housing units only, of which there are 21,410, according to 2010 U.S. Census data. Furthermore, 501 wood stoves in the Fairbanks North Star Borough (FNSB) have already been replaced and 2,256 homes have participated in the AHFC energy rebate program, with 324 homes pending, so they would be disqualified for the program proposed by HB 323. In addition, 940 homes are disqualified by their participation in the AHFC weatherization program. Representative T. Wilson said her office took a survey of constituents and found that about 40 percent have old oil furnaces. She concluded that the $1,000,000 cap on the appropriation for HB 323 is more than sufficient to test the program. 3:46:16 PM REPRESENTATIVE TUCK observed that the options in the bill are grants in the amount of $7,500 to replace a furnace, or $5,000 to replace a wood stove. Also, participation in this program will disqualify a homeowner from participation in the energy rebate program. Representative Tuck pointed out the intent of the legislation was to achieve attainment so FNSB is no longer out of compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and to help people have more energy efficient homes. He opined residents should not have to choose between the programs, and suggested that they could apply for both programs for a cumulative amount not to exceed $10,000. REPRESENTATIVE T. WILSON said most people who take advantage of the energy rebate program spend in excess of $10,000. She advised that HB 323 should advance without changes for one year, after which the response to the program and the raters' experiences can be reevaluated. 3:49:11 PM REPRESENTATIVE OLSON moved to report the proposed CS for HB 323, Version 27-LS1275\I, Kirsch/Nauman, 3/26/12, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, CSHB 323(ENE) was reported out of the House Special Committee on Energy. [Although the maker of the motion stated HB 232, the clear intent of the committee was to move HB 323.] 3:50:04 PM The committee took an at-ease from 3:50 p.m. to 3:55 p.m.